Cupcake Digital, Nelvana Enterprises and the Clifford Ross Company Partner to Create the First–Ever Apps Based on the Popular Television Series Babar and the Adventures of Badou

Cupcake Digital will collaborate with Nelvana Enterprises and the Clifford Ross Company to create the first-ever enhanced story apps for fans of Babar and the Adventures of Badou. Working with the well-loved, iconic brand that is Babar is in line with Cupcake’s strategy for growth. The children’s animated television series introduced in 2011 marks the celebrated return of Babar to the small screen by introducing Badou, King Babar’s grandson and heir to the throne, and taking the characters into the world of apps is a logical next step. The show has made it possible for parents who grew up reading the classic stories of Babar to share the characters they love with their kids, and now they also can share story apps via their smartphones and tablets. Babar and Badou mobile apps will be available this Fall in the iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and NOOK Apps stores.

“The stories of Babar have been a childhood staple for so many of us. For this reason, we are incredibly excited to create enhanced story experiences so parents can continue to share these wonderful characters with their kids,” said Susan Miller, President of Cupcake Digital. “Moreover, with these mobile technologies, we can combine valuable learning moments from the show with fun interactivity that the littlest fans of Badou and his friends will be sure to enjoy.”

Cupcake Digital’s app development process is designed to maximize the transformation of children’s television content into high-quality, entertaining apps that feature engaging storytelling combined with educational elements. The company is trusted by parents for its hallmark features including three different modes of reading, professional narration, and text highlighting that promote early reading skills. The apps also include creative play activities such as coloring pages and sing along videos, and educator-approved games that align with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) being adopted by 45 states in the U.S. Parents will also appreciate the thoughtful Grown-Up’s Corner designed to help guide conversation and encourage shared screen time.

“We’re delighted with the new digital experience Cupcake Digital is creating for Babar and the Adventures of Badou,” said Colin Bohm, Managing Director of Nelvana. “These story apps, filled with bright graphics and charming animation will bring Babar’s stories to life and give kids who love the series new ways to interact with their favorite Babar characters using tap-and-play formats on multiple platforms.”

Babar and the Adventures of Badou airs worldwide on Disney Junior in the U.S., Spain, Italy and Japan, Corus Entertainment’s Treehouse in Canada, TF1 in France, Ki.Ka in Germany and Canal Panda in Portugal as well as other channels across Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America.

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About Cupcake Digital
Cupcake Digital, Inc. was established in June 2012 with the intent of transforming children’s entertainment properties into deluxe story experiences infused with educational elements. The company’s first venture into digital applications was based on the Emmy® award-winning television series “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!®” The Wubbzy apps released in 2012 have each been recognized with Parents' Choice Classic, Fun Stuff Awards and have been consistently ranked among the top children's book apps on Amazon and iTunes. Headquartered in NYC, Cupcake Digital was founded by proven professionals in the fields of technology, family entertainment, publishing and brand marketing. In October of 2012, Cupcake Digital received its first round of private funding and has since gone on to partner with additional major children's entertainment properties.

CupcakeDigital.com provides more ways for parents and caregivers to enhance the app experience for kids. Free downloadable activities encourage a further practice of CCSS skills, including handwriting, sight words, number and letter recognition. Plus, the site includes a Parent’s Guide for practical tips to help your child get ready for school.

About Nelvana
Nelvana is one of the world's leading international producers and distributors of children's animated and live-action content and is owned by Corus Entertainment Inc. Nelvana is comprised of the Nelvana Studio and Nelvana Enterprises. The Nelvana Studio operates out of a state-of-the-art digital animation production facility in Toronto. Nelvana's library now has well over 3,800 half-hour animated episodes including such well-known properties as Mike the Knight, Babar, Franklin, Max & Ruby, The Backyardigans, Sidekick, Scaredy Squirrel, and live action shows such as Life With Boys. Nelvana's content has aired in over 160 countries and has received over 70 major international program awards including Emmys® and Geminis. Nelvana Enterprises distributes programming from the Nelvana Studio and key creative partners to broadcasters, home entertainment and digital distribution partners the world over. Its merchandise licensing team manages consumer products licensing globally, including home entertainment and interactive. For more information visit www.nelvana.com

About The Clifford Ross Company
Founded in 1985 by artist/photographer Clifford Ross, The Clifford Ross Company focused on three classic properties during its early years: the works of Edward Gorey, Tom Swift, and Babar. After optioning the rights to Babar in 1986 directly from Laurent de Brunhoff and the de Brunhoff family, CRC entered into a working relationship with Nelvana on all aspects of the property. For over 20 years, the companies have worked together producing both television and feature-length movies featuring the Babar characters and developing a worldwide licensing program. Ross recently completed “Harmonium Mountain,” an animated, computer-generated landscape video, with an original score by Philip Glass, which was an original selection of the Tribeca Film Festival. He has just completed a stained glass wall for the new United States Federal Courthouse in Austin, Texas.